Door construction



Dec. 27, 1966 w. c. BARNARD ETAL 3,294,463

DOOR CONSTRUCTION w a r 8 m e %@W m [E s fw w r o L Q W. m m

Dec, 27, 1968 w. c. BARNARD ETAL. 3,294,431

DOOR CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 W. C. BARNARD ETAL.

DOOR CONSTRUCTION men. 27, 1966 Filed April 15, 1965 L Jug 3,294,461 DOUR CONSTRUQTIGN Walter t3. Barnard, t. Fatal, and Ival G. Butcher, White Bear Lake, Minn assignors to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. I5, 1965, Ser. No. 448,407 ll Claims. (Cl. 3]l22l3) This invention relates to door constructions and, more particularly, to door constructions for use in kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and the like.

The known door constructions for use in such appliances have not proved entirely satisfactory. Such known door constructions conventionally utilize fastening means such as screws to secure the door panel to the door body. Such fastening means are conventionally left exposed whereby they detract from the appearance of the door constructions and tend to collect grime and the like resulting in an unsanitary condition and requiring increased maintenance of the appliance. Such fasteners also tend to loosen with continued use of the door and eventually may permit irritating rattling and vibration of the loose door panel when the door is open or closed and when the appliance is in operation. Furthermore, in a door construction of the usual size of such an appliance, a substantial number of such fasteners may be required, thus multiplying the number of parts and cost of the door construction and making disassembly of the door relatively difficult. Such prior are door constructions do not lend themselves to use with appliances having their controls mounted in the door such as is common in under-counter installations and the like, because of the difficulty of disassembly which makes the servicing of such door mounted controls extremely difficult. The difficulty of disassembly further effectively pr eludes ready interchangeability of door panels having different types of decorative surfaces. Thus, an appliance dealer, in order to meet his customers requests, is caused either to stock a large inventory of appliances differing only in door panel decoration, or subject his customers to a lengthy period normally required in the filling of a special order or custom order. The present invention comprehends an improved door construction effectively eliminating each of the above discussed disadvantages of the known door constructions.

Therefore, one feature of the invention is the provision of a new and improved door construction.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction requiring an effectively minimum number of parts.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction wherein improved fastener means are provided for holding the trim about the door of the appliance.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction having simplicity of design and wherein screw heads and other types of such conventional fasteners are hidden from view so as to not distract from the appearance of the door construction.

An additional feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction providing improved ease of maintenance wherein screw heads and other types of conventional fasteners forming pockets permitting the collection of unsanitary dirt or grime are effectively eliminated.

A further feature of the invention is the provision in a kitchen appliance of a new and improved door construction having control means for the appliance mounted therein.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision in a kitchen appliance of such a door construction arranged to permit easy disassembly without the use of special tools.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction having a readily separable, decoicd States Patent lilgdfihl Patented Dec. 27, 1966 "ice rative front panel and resilient fasteners for holding the panel to a main door body wherein the panel is resiliently held against the door body for precluding undesirable noise when the door is opened or closed.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a door construction for kitchen appliances having effectively maximum design flexibility, permitting the decorative door panel to be readily removably installed on the door body thereby to facilitate substitution of different door panels having different types of decorative surfaces. Thus, the appliance dealer may readily install any one of a plurality of door panels, as selected by each customer.

Other features and advantages of the invention Will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a door construction embodying the invention, installed on a dishwasher mounted in a kitchen base cabinet;

FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of the door construction;

FIGURE 3 shows a plan view of the door construction;

FIGURE 4 shows a front elevation of the door construction;

FIGURE 5 shows a side elevation of the door construction;

FIGURE 6 shows an enlarged sectional view thereof taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 shows a side sectional view thereof taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 8 shows a sectional view of the vent of said door construction taken substantially along the line 88 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical section of the door fastening means taken substantially along the line 99 of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical section of the upper portion of the door construction taken substantially along the line ll0ll0 of FIGURE 4.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, a typical kitchen base cabinet arrangement, generally designated It), is provided with a built-in home appliance, herein a dishwasher 11. The dishwasher II is provided with an improved door construction, generally designated 12. The door construction 12 includes a main body portion, generally designated as 14, as best seen in FIGURE 2. The main body portion 14 is of a size and shape as to sealingly close the front loading opening of the dishwasher I1 and includes a front opening 16 (see FIGURE 2) connected to a vent duct 18 communicating with the interior of the dishwasher. Mounted on the main body portion 14 is a latch mechanism 23, which may be of conventional construction. The latch mechanism 23 is secured to the main body portion 14 by means of screws and nuts (not shown) through apertures 24 on the upper edge of the main body portion 14. The invention comprehends the mounting of the appliance control means Within the door structure, and to this enda junction box 28 is provided in the lower portion of the main body 14. A plurality of apertures 26 is provided in the side portions of the main body 14.

A decorative door panel 46 is securely mounted on the main body 14 by means of side members 30 placed on each side of the main body 14. Each side member 30 includes forwardly projecting portions 32 shown .as tabs integrally struck from the member 30, a rearwardly extending portion 34 flared angularly outwardly (see FIG- URES 6 and 9) and a backing portion 35 extending generally transversely to the plane of the first portion 32. Suitable apertures 38 are provided in the side members 30 for alignment with the apertuers 26 on the main body portion 14 for reception of fastening screws 40 provided with suitable nuts 40a. At the lower end of each side member is provided a forwardly projecting third portion or tab 41 and an outwardly projecting stop tab 42.

Interconnecting the upper portion of the side members 30 is an upper, angle, cross member 80 having a vertical leg 82 and a forwardly projecting leg, or horizontal flange, 84 (see FIGURES 7 and 8). A lower cross member 86 interconnects the lower ends of the side members 30, as seen in FIGURES 2 and 7.

A door panel 44, having a decorative outer surface 46, is seated on the third portions 41 and between the forwardly extending portions 32 of the left and right sight members 30 (see FIGURE 6). The transverse backing portions 36 of the side members 30 and the vertical leg 82 of the upper cross member 80 serve as a back support for the panel 44 within the frame. The forwardly projecting flange 84 of cross member 80 overlaps the upper edge of the door panel 44 to preclude motion thereof within the frame.

A channel member 48 (see FIGURE 2) is placed about the lower end of the door panel 44 to serve as a decorative trim for the lower edge of the door construction.

To secure the decorative panel 44 in place, and to serve as a decorative trim for the sides of the door construction, a pair of generally C-shaped resilient channel members 50 are provided. As seen in FIGURES 6 and 9, each of the channel members 50 includes a first rounded portion 52 which fits about the rearwardly extending second portion 34 of the side members 30. On the opposite side of each channel member 50 is a second portion 54 which is seated about the forwardly projecting first portions 32 of the side member. Attached to portions 54 of the channels 50 is a flat surface member 56 which bears against the sides of the door panels 44, thus holding the latter in place against the transverse backing portions 36 of the side members 30 and the vertical portion 82 of the upper cross member 80. On the upper end of each channel 50 is an inwardly directed tab 58 which abuts the upper end of the side members 30 when the door is assembled to serve as an additional stop for the channel 50. By virtue of the resilient nature of the channel members 50 and the abutment of the flat surfaces 56 thereof with the sides of the door panel 44, pressure is continually exerted by the channel members against the door panel 44 to urge the latter against the back support provided by the surfaces 36 and 82. Thus, the door panel is tightly held in place, effectively preventing rattling and the like during opening and closing of the door, as well as during operation of the dishwasher.

An escutcheon plate 60 is mounted between the side members 30 and above the door panel 44. On the lower edge of the escutcheon plate 60 is a tongue 62 which overlaps the upper edge of the door panel 44 (see FIG- URE 8). The tongue 62 covers the door edge and effectively prevents collection of dirt and grime thereat. A plurality of apertures 64 is provided on the escutcheon plate 60 for mounting control elements for the dishwasher, including an off-on indicator lamp 66, push button controls 6 7, and a timer control 68. The timer control 68 is mounted on the escutcheon plate 60 by means of a mounting bracket 70 and screw 72, and is provided with a manually operable control knob 74. The electrical leads to the control elements extend through the door to the junction box 28. Suitable electrical connections are made from the junction box 28 to the several electrical devices. The escutcheon plate 60 is held against the backing portions 36 of the side members 30 by the C-shaped channel members 50.

Mounted on the upper end of the main body portion 14, above the upper ends of the C-shaped channels 50, is a crown 90 which serves as trim for the upper end of the door and to preclude upward movement of the channels 50 on the body portion 14. As shown in FIG- URES 4 and 8, crown 90 includes an opening 92 which communicates with the vent duct 18. Thus, when the door construction is used in an under-counter dishwasher, it permits the venting of the dishwasher to the atmosphere without the need of special duct work that could adversely affect the appearance of the counter or require special modifications of the building structure in which the appliance is used. Crown is secured to the body portion 14 by screws 94 which pass through openings 22 in the main body portion as shown in FIG. 10. The screws 94 may also be used to secure rubber bumpers 96 to the inner portion of the main body 14.

The door is pivotally mounted in the appliance on pins 104. Brackets 100 (see FIG. 7) are secured to the side member 30 by suitable means such as spot welding 102 or the like, and are provided with apertures 106 to facilitate connection thereto of conventional springs for biasing the door construction to the conventional positions employed in such appliances.

From the foregoing, it will be obvious that we have provided a door construction 12 of substantial simplicity and having a highly attractive appearance. Because of the elimination of visible exposed conventional fastening devices, maintenance of door construction 12 is greatly simplified. The C-shaped channels 50, escutcheon plate 60, and crown portion 90 are preferably made of aluminum or stainless steel for further improved facilitated maintenance. Further, the feature of a readily changeable door panel is highly desirable. Modern kitchens conventionally use a homogeneous decor theme; thus, a dealer may stock panels having several different types of decorative surfaces and need only substitute a panel corresponding to the purchaser's decor theme. Thus, the lengthy and costly processing of individual manufacturing custom orders is effectively minimized. Further, the ease of accessibility of the control mechanism of the appliance provided by door construction 12 is highly advantageous from the standpoint of servicing. With the above exemplary form of the invention, a servieeman need use only a single tool, namely a conventional screw driver, to remove the screws 94 and thereby obtain complete access to the control mechanism mounted within the door interior.

While we have shown and described one embodiment of our invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

1. A door construction comprising: a door body adapted to close an opening; elongated frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body, and "having a first forwardly extending portion, a second rearwardly extending portion, and a third forwardly extending portion at the lower end of said frame means; a panel retained on said third portion of the frame means and between said first forwardly extending portion of the frame means to define a front wall of the door construction; side holding means removably mounted on said frame means and frictionally engaging said first and second portions, said side holding means including a front portion extending in front of said panel for holding said panel against movement forwardly away from said body; and means removably secured to said door body for retaining said panel against upward movement relative thereto.

2. The door construction of claim 1 wherein said side holding means are formed from a resilient material, said second portion of the frame means including a flange displaced angularly outwardly from said door body in frictional engagement with said side holding means.

3. A door construction comprising: a door body adapted to close an opening; elongated frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body and having a first forwardly extending portion, a second rearwardly extending portion, and a third forwardly extending portion at the lower end of said frame means; a panel retained on said third portion of the frame means and between said first forwardly extending portion to define a front wall of the door construction; said frame means including upper and lower cross member respectively about the upper and lower extremities of said panel, and stop means associated with said panel and said frame means for precluding upper movement of said panel in the plane of said frame means relative to said cross members; side holding means removably secured to said frame means and including a front portion extending in front of said panel for holding said panel against said movement forwardly and away from said body; and means removably secured to said door body for retaining said panel against upward movement relative thereto.

4. The door construction of claim 3 wherein said stop means is carried on said frame means and comprises a flange extending forwardly about the upper extremity of said panel.

5. A door construction comprising: a door body adapted to close an opening; elongated frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body, and having a first forwardly extending portion, a second rearwardly extending portion, and a third forwardly ex tending portion at the lower end of said frame means, a panel retained on said third portion of the frame means and between said first forwardly extending portion of the frame means to define a front wall of the door construction; side holding means removably secured to said frame means and including a front portion extending in front of said panel for holding said panel against movement forwardly away from said body; means removably secured to said door body for retaining said panel against upward movement relative thereto; and a plate positioned between said frame means having a tongue overlapping a portion of said panel, and mounting means on said plate for mounting a control means.

6. A door construction comprising: a door body adapted to close an opening; elongated frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body, and having a first forwardly extending portion, a second rearwardly extending portion, and a third forwardly extending portion at the lower end of said frame means; a panel retained on said third portion of the frame means and between said first forwardly extending portion of the frame means to define a front wall of the door construction; side holding means removably secured to said frame means and including a front portion extending in front of said panel for holding said panel against movement for wardly away from said body; means removably secured to said door body for retaining said panel against upward movement relative thereto, said removable retaining means comprising a crown; each of said door body and said crown being provided with a vent opening; and duct means communicating between said openings,

7. A frame for mounting a panel comprising: a pair of side members having first portions extending forwardly thereof, second portions extending generally rearwardly thereof, backing portions generally transverse to said first and second portions and forwardly extending third portions at the lower end thereof; upper and lower crossmembers secured to said side members, said upper cross member having forwardly extending means thereon; a panel nested between said side member first portions, said upper cross-member forwardly extending means and resting on said third portion, said panel having one side abutting said side member backing portions; and generally C- shaped channels about said side member first and second portions and bearing against the opposite side of said panel to hold said panel tightly against said side member backing portions.

8. The invention of claim 7 further including a door body adapted to close an opening; said side members being disposed on opposite sides of said body and extending vertically therealong to provide a door construction.

9. The door construction of claim 8 wherein said first portions comprise tabs integrally formed from said backing portions.

19. A door construction comprising a door body adapted to close an opening; frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body, and having a forwardly extending portion; a panel retained on said forwardly extending portion of the frame means to define a front wall of the door construction; a plate positioned between said frame means including means engaging a portion of said panel; mounting means on said plate for mounting a control means; and means removably secured to said frame means for holding said panel and said plate against movement forwardly and away from said body.

11. A door construction comprising: a door body adapted to close an opening; frame means extending vertically along at least two sides of said body and having a forwardly extending portion; a panel retained on said forwardly extending portion to define a front wall of the door construction; a crown removably mounted on said body above said panel; each of said door body and said crown being provided with a vent opening; and duct means communicating between said openings.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,266,235 12/ 1941 Mollard 20-565 2,536,956 1/1951 Reeves 126200 2,569,941 10/ 1951 Mastrangelo 205 6.1 2,877,516 3/1959 Bobel u 20-56.5

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner.

CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Examiner. 

1. A DOOR CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING: A DOOR BODY ADAPTED TO CLOSE AN OPENING; ELONGATED FRAME MEANS EXTENDING VERTICALLY ALONG AT LEAST TWO SIDES OF SAID BODY, AND HAVING A FIRST FORWARDLY EXTENDING PORTION, A SECOND REARWARDLY EXTENDING PORTION, AND A THIRD FORWARDLY EXTENDING PORTION AT THE LOWER END OF SAID FRAME MEANS; A PANEL RETAINED ON SAID THIRD PORTION OF THE FRAME MEANS AND BETWEEN SAID FIRST FORWARDLY EXTENDING PORTION OF THE FRAME MEANS TO DEFINE A FRONT WALL OF THE DOOR CONSTRUC-E TION; SIDE HOLDING MEANS REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEANS AND FRICTIONALLY ENGAGING SAID FIRST AND SECOND PORTIONS, SAID SIDE HOLDING MEANS INCLUDING A FRONT PORTION EXTENDING IN FRONT OF SAID PANEL FOR HOLDING SAID PANEL AGAINST MOVEMENT FORWARDLY AWAY FROM SAID BODY; AND MEANS REMOVABLY SECURED TO SAID DOOR BODY FOR RETAINING SAID PANEL AGAINST UPWARD MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO. 